4 November 1981

"How is she?" Andromeda asked anxiously, staring at her pale, mostly healed daughter. Nymphadora's wounds were still healing, although the stubborn, half-moon shaped scar on her sternum wouldn't go away, no matter what they did to it. Andromeda was beginning to fear it was a cursed scar, and what curse had befallen her daughter.

"A little better," Healer Morgan replied somberly. "She suffered intense damage, physically and possibly magically. We're all astounded, frankly, that she survived the ordeal."

"Will she wake?"

"It's what we're hoping for, Mrs. Tonks. I'm sorry I can't say more."

The Healer left the room, leaving Andromeda with her unconscious child. It had been four days since Halloween, easily the worst four days of Andromeda's life. Her beloved cousin Dora was dead; breaking the news to Nymphadora (if she ever woke) would be a nightmare. Her daughter had suffered a curse or injury at the hands of the Darkest wizard of all time and somehow lived to tell the tale, if only she would wake. Her husband was now caring for someone else's child, the newly orphaned Harry Potter, because no other guardians were available. Dora's will had been found, with instructions to leave Harry with the Tonkses. Andromeda didn't mind having another child to raise, having tried to give Nymphadora a sibling for years, but she felt awkward knowing that the Potters hadn't made the plan from the beginning. She hoped someone from James or Lily's family would come for the child, so Harry could grow up with his proper relatives.

Andromeda kept pacing in the small hospital room. Her sister, Bellatrix, was dead. Not that she thought it was much of a loss, with Bellatrix's increased mental instability over the years, but Bella had once been her beloved older sister. Andromeda had always held out hope that the relationship could be repaired, but with her death, there was no hope for reconciliation. Her cousin, Sirius, was in Ministry custody, for having killed Bellatrix himself. When had everything fallen apart so spectacularly?
A click at the door announced the presence of a new guest. Albus Dumbledore swept into the room, his black velvet robes billowing behind them. He was mourning too, apparently.

"Andromeda," he greeted quietly. "How is your daughter?"

"Stable. We're not certain if she'll wake."

Dumbledore approached Nymphadora and murmured a few incantations, his wand waving over her little body. "I have hope she'll wake, but I cannot say when," he said heavily. "But her health is not why I'm here today. I have a letter for you."

He pulled an envelope out of his robe pocket, and handed it to Andromeda. Her name was written on the front in a script she was familiar with – Dora's handwriting.

"I was clearing through the remains of the Potter home to discover if we had missed anything, and I found a few letters around where your daughter was hurt. One was for me, one for you, and one for the Scamanders."

"It's as if she knew," Andromeda said, her voice breaking. "How did she know?"

"I believe her letter will explain," Dumbledore said gently. "Do you mind if I wait here while you read it? I'd like to share the contents of my letter with you as well."

Andromeda nodded feebly, and sank down into the threadbare hospital chair. She tore the seal of the envelope apart, and found a letter from Dora.

Dear Mum,

Wasn't it obvious? Surely you had your suspicions. You're my mother. You were always my mother. Yes, mum, the Dora you knew was a time traveler, who had grown up being called Nymphadora by you. Do you remember the day I was born? There was a witch who came in to see you and your baby and asked why you called me Nymphadora. Do you remember? That witch was me, Dora, Nymphadora, Tonks, or whatever name I gave that day.

I'm running out of time, but if you need details on my time traveling adventures, ask Dumbledore. He knows the whole story. What I can tell you is that I'm sorry I never told you earlier. You see, Dora and little Tonks may have started the same, but Dora became someone else entirely. If I've done everything right, the girl you call your daughter will not be like me. She won't be broken and haunted. She'll be your happy, clumsy, energetic kid who will be spared from the suffering I endured in the last decade.

Don't feel badly for me, mum. I didn't ask for what happened to me, but I made the best of it all the same.

There are a few things you should know, now that I'm gone. (If you're reading this, then I am gone and dead.) First, your daughter, little Tonks, is now the sole heiress to the fortunes in the Lestrange and Black family vaults. I'm sure the goblins will inform you or Dad on what to do. Use the gold to get me the best broomstick for my birthday for all I care. It's hers – and yours – now.

Second, I apologize for what I subjected little Tonks to on Halloween. Did I know what was coming? In short, yes. I was from the future, after all. The events weren't set in stone, and I tried changing them. I desperately hope I succeeded.

If I succeeded, your daughter should have come home a little shaken, but otherwise alive and well. Harry should be with his parents, all of them alive and well too.

If I failed, you'll never know how sorry I am that I took your daughter away from you. Please forgive me – us. Please take care of Harry as your own, if he's alive and well. I know he could never replace your daughter, and he shouldn't. He'll need so much love, mum.

I love you, mum. Give all my love to dad, and enjoy your life with little Tonks. Give her the best childhood. You certainly gave me a wonderful one.

Love, love, and more love,

Dora

Andromeda wiped the tears from her eyes and set the letter down at the edge of the hospital bed. Nymphadora was breathing evenly, but gave no sign of consciousness. She was alive…but certainly not well.

"She was Dora," Andromeda said softly, holding her daughter's small hand in her own. "Dora was once her."

"She revealed that in her letter?" Dumbledore asked, as Andromeda nodded.

"I should've known…there were so many signs. I am -was- her mother."

"Dora was remarkably good at concealment and disguise," Dumbledore said wryly. "Would you like to hear the whole account of what became of your daughter in another timeline?"

Andromeda sniffled. "Not now. My heart is overflowing with worry for the daughter I have in this timeline." She stroked the back of Nymphadora's hand, and brushed away a few strands of mousy brown hair from her pale face.

Dumbledore shifted in his seat. "Might I speak with you on a few matters?"

"Did Dora tell you something else in her letter?"

"She told me many things," Dumbledore said cryptically. "There are a few that are most pressing, beginning with Harry Potter."

"Have you found his family yet? Not that we don't like Harry, but I feel terribly that I'm holding onto a little boy who I barely know. We hardly knew his parents."

"His mother has a sister, who lives out of the country now. Based on Dora's sacrifice for your daughter and Harry, it is best for Harry to remain in your care, if you're willing to raise him as your own," Dumbledore replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "Believe me when I say Dora knew what she was doing. She wants Harry with you and Ted."

Andromeda tucked a curl behind her ear, and bit her lip anxiously. "Is his family alright with it? I…don't want legal issues."

"I'll write to the Dursleys to ask for their consent, but I'm sure that they won't mind in the least," Dumbledore explained. "Dora created a special charm to keep Harry especially safe, as long as he's tied to the Tonks household."

Andromeda's brows raised in surprise. "She did?"

"Indeed. Are you and Ted willing to take on another famous child?"

"Another…famous?" Andromeda asked blankly.

Dumbledore grimaced. "I suspect you've been too busy to worry about reading The Prophet."

"What do I need to know?" Andromeda asked, in barely more than a whisper. "What are they saying?"

"The papers say that Voldemort has been defeated, but it is my belief that it is only a temporary defeat. I believe he will return, and when he does, Harry Potter will be in grave danger."

Andromeda sat still and silent, waiting for Dumbledore's next words.

"The Killing Curse backfired on Harry—" Andromeda gasped loudly. The Killing Curse – backfiring?

"—and he is being called the Boy Who Lived. He's been sent gifts from all over Britain for what he's 'accomplished.' The gifts pale in comparison to what your daughter has been sent."

"Nymphadora? Why would anyone send her anything?"

"Perhaps you ought to read yesterday's evening Prophet," Dumbledore said, a pained expression on his face. "It may help you understand." He pulled out a clipping from The Daily Prophet, presenting it to Andromeda.

BOY WHO LIVED AND MIRACLE GIRL REVEALED

Godric's Hollow. It is well known by now that young Harry Potter, 15 months, defeated You-Know-Who late Saturday night. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named cast the Killing Curse on Potter, who is alive and in the care of designated guardians. Potter's guardians are believed to be his Muggle relatives, as his late mother Lily Potter nee Evans, was Muggleborn. The Ministry has been made aware that Potter's guardians are Muggles and wish to keep the boy's life private after this tragedy. Rumors suggest that young Potter is magically gifted, and when threatened with the Killing Curse, a burst of accidental magic saved his life.

Aurors performed Priori Incantatem on You-Know-Who's wand to discover that he had cast the Killing Curse four times before his defeat. Known fatalities of his wrath include James Fleamont Potter, 21, the father of Harry Potter, and Pandora Rosemary Black, 20, Harry Potter's godmother. It is believed that Black was babysitting the night of the tragedy in Godric's Hollow.

A fourth person has been identified as witness to the heinous crimes. Nymphadora Tonks, 9, was present for the murder of Black, but it is unknown if she witnessed the murder of James Potter. Black was the first cousin once removed of Tonks. Sources close to Black suggest she took her cousin to babysit her godson. Aurors believe that You-Know-Who attempted to murder young Tonks, but the child dodged the curse. Tonks was pinned underneath a pile of rubble, believed to be dead. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named turned his wrath on the remaining Potters, until his defeat at the hands of Harry Potter.

Unconfirmed sources believe Tonks remains alive, but only just, having sustained injuries as a result of the damage from the Killing Curse. Little is known of Nymphadora Tonks, though Ministry records show she child is to turn ten years old later this week, and is one of only three known Metamorphmagi in Britain. It is possible her ability to morph and change her body may have contributed to her survival. (For more on Metamorphmagi, see page 8 of tonight's Prophet.)

Due to privacy laws, Tonks' location or present health status is unknown. Those at the Prophet wish her good health and a speedy recovery as a result of her injuries at the hands of You-Know-Who.

"Why is her name in the paper? This is ridiculous. She's a child!"

"Unfortunately, there are no laws preventing the sharing of children's names in events. Only their locations or health are prevented from being known."

"All of magical Britain thinks – what? That she's some sort of miracle child?"

"She is," Dumbledore said simply. "Your daughter survived an attempt on her life by Lord Voldemort. That is, indeed, a miracle. The entire country is rooting for her continued survival. This morning's piece on Nymphadora Tonks suggested she was on the edge of death. I believe your husband is currently inundated with packages of gifts, toys, and other well-wishes for both Nymphadora and Harry. For your daughter's health, and for Harry's triumph."

"They're famous," Andromeda said, in shock. "There won't be a person in our world who doesn't know their names."

"I believe Harry will bear the brunt of it, being the Boy Who Lived. Once your daughter heals, I hope she may be somewhat forgotten for her role in all this."

"How can she, if she's going to be raised alongside Harry Potter?"

"No one needs to know that yet. I suggest that we try to keep both Nymphadora and Harry sheltered and safe. When Nymphadora is ready for Hogwarts, I will be happy to take her under my wing and ensure her safety myself."

"Is there anything else I need to know about my daughter? I've just learned she's now the sole heiress for two vaults at Gringotts, which inevitably means Ted and I are going to be dragged into the Wizengamot!" Andromeda said angrily. "As if we needed any more publicity!"

"You can choose to abstain from votes for the time being," Dumbledore said kindly. "When Miss Tonks' life and health are confirmed, the goblins and Ministry will inform you of your duties, until she is of age."

Andromeda glanced back at Dumbledore. He hadn't left yet, and the grim expression on his face indicated there was more to be said.

"Out with it," Andromeda said irritably. "If I'm to be told bad news, I'd rather hear it all at once."

"Dora was so much like you," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling merrily. "I hope that when Nymphadora comes to Hogwarts, she might keep the…sass…to a minimum."

Andromeda snorted. "Unlikely."

"As you asked, there is one more piece of information. I do not believe The Prophet's story that Nymphadora dodged the Killing Curse, although I believe it's what we should tell her, so that we can keep her fame to a minimum." Dumbledore looked particularly morose. "I believe that Harry was not the only survivor of the Killing Curse that night. Just as he is the Boy Who Lived, your daughter is the Girl Who Lived. I believe it would be better if the title remained with Harry, for Nymphadora's safety. Harry won't be starting at Hogwarts for ten years, but your daughter is starting in two years."

"Nymphadora? My daughter survived the Killing Curse? Why isn't she better, like Harry?" Andromeda demanded, deciding not to bother with the titles the papers were giving her daughter and Harry.

"When Dora cast herself between Nymphadora and Harry, it was through a protective charm, as I mentioned earlier," Dumbledore said evenly. "Dora also did a bit of experimental magic on her younger counterpart, a Blood Magic ritual, if I'm not mistaken."

"WHAT?" Andromeda screeched. "That's Dark magic!"

"It may have saved Nymphadora's life," Dumbledore said gently. "Through the Blood Magic, Dora gave Nymphadora some of her own life and magic. It is indeed experimental, but I believe this helped your daughter survive. From what I gather, she was concerned that Voldemort would succeed in killing Nymphadora, and provided an additional layer of protection. It likely had some side-effects that even Dora couldn't have dreamed of."

Andromeda's jaw dropped. "Side effects?"

"It is likely that some of Dora's abilities or memories may have transferred to Nymphadora. Dora did foresee this possibility, and removed as many memories as she could. I'm uncertain she was unable to remove all of them…and there's little we can do to prevent the memories from resurfacing. Obliviating her entirely would be a mistake."

"Dora…Albus, Dora saw things. Terrible things, I'm certain of it."

"Yes, but I believe Dora took the worst of the memories away. Nymphadora is likely to have nightmares from what she saw. I have suggestions, if you're open to them."

"Anything, I'll do anything to make her better," Andromeda vowed.

"Find a nice country home," Dumbledore said simply. "I'll seal the blood protection charm on the home once you're there, and add as many enchantments as possible. Abstain from the Wizengamot votes for now. Focus on settling into your new reality. And, perhaps, write to your cousin Sirius. He turned 22 yesterday, and he is likely to spend the next several birthdays in Azkaban."

"How many?" Andromeda gasped.

"If we're lucky, less than ten years. Thankfully, he only killed four Death Eaters – all three Lestranges and one called Avery. The Lestranges were wanted, but Avery was not. Dora left me memories of all the Death Eaters she knew, which will help, I should think."

"Dora really was brilliant, Andromeda," Dumbledore continued. "She created the blood protection charm so that if something befell her, Sirius, and the Potters, Harry would have a loving home with you, Ted, and Nymphadora."

Andromeda sighed, and held Nymphadora's hand once more, seeing the ring on each hand. "And Remus? I know one of these rings came from him, for Dora."

"Remus has seen better days," Dumbledore said grimly. "I have something for you, actually." Dumbledore pulled out an opened envelope, addressed to Remus. "This letter was meant for Remus. He read it, and knew that Dora was once Nymphadora. However, Sirius obliviated him, as the knowledge was torturing Remus."

Andromeda was taken aback. "How do you mean? What does he remember?"

"Sirius' Memory Charm was remarkably effective. Remus remembers Dora and Nymphadora as two distinct individuals, having nothing to do with one another but the family relationship. He is aware that Nymphadora may have received some of Dora's memories or abilities from the love protection charm – at least, that's what I told him – but that the memories and abilities are largely unassociated with him," Dumbledore said, looking weary and older than ever. His electric blue eyes still twinkled, but they were duller than Andromeda had ever seen them.

Dumbledore exhaled forcefully before continuing. "Remus visited Sirius in the Ministry holding cell yesterday, for his birthday. Evidently Remus thought death was better than living with the knowledge that the love of his life could come back, but was only a child at the moment."

Andromeda ran her thumb on the back of Nymphadora's small, pale hand. "He didn't see her as…his…?"

"Remus is an honorable man, but grief was taking its toll on him. The knowledge that Dora could come back, but was still a child, was not doing him any favors. I didn't agree with what Sirius did at the moment, but after seeing Remus in his grief, perhaps it's better," Dumbledore replied. "Sirius knows Remus better than I do. The memories of the connection between Dora and Nymphadora have been lost or modified beyond repair. Remus has no knowledge of the truth, and Sirius requested we keep it that way. I agree, and it may be better not to tell Nymphadora."

"I agree," Andromeda said instantly. "She's a child. There is no need to give her knowledge of what she could have or would have been. We'll let Dora be Dora, and Nymphadora be Nymphadora. It will be better for her, and for Remus, I imagine. The poor man has lost enough."

Dumbledore stroked his beard pensively, looking between the child in the bed and her mother. "In time, Remus and Nymphadora may come to be friends, as they once were in another timeline. But until then, I now agree this is the best course of action."

"Nymphadora is very fond of Remus, as are we. Ted saw him the night it all happened. Remus was beside himself with grief at losing Dora," Andromeda said, wiping a tear from her eyes.

Dumbledore clasped his hands together, solemnness evident in his eyes. "He will be grieving for a long time. The Dora he knew is never coming back, and he'll need to mourn her. Loss of a loved one is never easy. It will take adjustment and time."

"He's not the only one who loved Dora, but I still have my Nymphadora," Andromeda said softly, brushing away more loose strands of hair from her daughter's healing face, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her daughter would never be the same, and neither would she.

"I'll leave you both. Please inform Ted of what Sirius did to Remus. Only the three of us, and Severus Snape know the truth."

"S-Severus? I don't know him."

"He was a good friend of Dora's, and he too lost someone he loved this week," Dumbledore said gravely. "He can be trusted."

Andromeda nodded; if Dumbledore said he was trustworthy, it would have to be good enough for her, too.

….

12 November 1981

Andromeda was woken to the sound of crying. Assuming Harry needed a new nappy, she groggily made her way from her bedroom. She grimaced, remembering the long-gone sleepless nights when her Nymphadora had been an infant. Having another young child in the home would take adjusting, she thought.

She was surprised when the crying did not come from Harry's room, but instead, from Nymphadora's. Andromeda winced. Her daughter had been sleeping poorly since her return from St. Mungo's, and Dreamless Sleep could only be given in tiny doses to children. Sleeping Draughts were better, but still potent for a ten year old. There was little Andromeda could do for her nightmare-plagued daughter.

Andromeda softly rapped on Nymphadora's door, finding her daughter looking out her window at the full moon.

"Nymphadora?"

Her daughter was sobbing against the window pane, awake, but distraught.

"Darling, what's happened? Is it a nightmare?" Andromeda asked quietly, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. Nymphadora flinched and jumped, looking frightened for a moment, before clutching at Andromeda's dressing gown and weeping against it.

Several moments passed before Nymphadora could speak.

"It's Remus, mummy, I'm worried for him," she said, tears still running down her face. "It's the moon and I'm not there!"

"Nymphadora, you can't be there with him. It's dangerous."

"But is he okay? Is he going to be okay? He's always hurt after the moon!" Nymphadora wailed. "I can't even help him!"

"You don't need to help him. He's just fine. He knows how to take care of himself."

"Mummy, please let me see him, please!" Nymphadora shook herself off the dressing gown and ran downstairs towards the sitting room, where the fire had burnt down to embers.

Andromeda followed her daughter downstairs, only to see her frantically looking for something. "Nymphadora, what are you doing? Come back to bed."

"Floo powder, mum, I need to find it. I need to get to Remus."

"No, darling, you don't. Our Floo is disconnected now. You can't go anywhere."

Nymphadora burst into tears again at the disappointment. Andromeda sighed, and made her way to the kitchen. It would be another night of Dreamless Sleep Potion. She quickly took a dropper and placed ten drops in a glass of water, just enough to allow the child to sleep in peace.

"Nymphadora? Come here, please," Andromeda called. "If you drink this water, I'll take you to see Remus."

"You will? Really?"

"Really," Andromeda sighed. "You'll need to be hydrated if we're going to take care of him. I already had some water. Now, it's your turn, and we'll go."

Nymphadora took the glass from Andromeda's hands and gulped it thirstily. The effects were almost instantaneous, with the girl falling over moments after finishing her drink. Andromeda caught her, and carried her up to her bedroom.

As she saw her daughter's chest rise and fall with sleep, she held back her own tears.

What had Dora done to her?

….

13 November 1981

Nymphadora was yawning. She could barely keep her head up at the dining table. Andromeda considered an Invigoration Draught, but the ten year old had already been given so many potions…perhaps not, Andromeda concluded.

"Mum? Is Remus okay?" she asked sleepily. "We went to see him, didn't we?"

"He's very well," Andromeda lied, unsure of Remus' health the day after the moon. "I'm sure he'll write to you to thank you for your help."
"Good. I don't like it when he hurts himself."

"How did you know he hurts himself after the moon?"

"I dunno," Nymphadora yawned widely again. "Maybe Dora told me once. I saw the full moon and it made me scared for him. I hope he's still okay. I miss him."

Andromeda struggled to keep her voice even. "You miss him?"

"'Course I do. He's my best friend, 'sides Dora, but she's gone, and so's Sirius," Nymphadora said, sniffling. "It's just Remus now. Harry can be my new best friend, I guess."

"Nymphadora, is there anything else you know about Remus, or remember about him?"

"Not now, mum, maybe I'll remember when I sleep."

"Okay, sweetheart. Why don't you go up to bed for a kip? I'll write to Remus for you and make sure he's still alright."

"Thanks mum, and tell him I love him," Nymphadora said, still drowsy. She shuffled out of the kitchen, dragging herself up the stairs. Andromeda listened until she heard the soft thump of her daughter falling into bed, and wiped another tear from her eyes before anyone else could see her.

She took out parchment, and began to write.

Dear Remus,

I hope you're as well as you can be, given the circumstances. Nymphadora realized last night was the full moon, and dreamt she had come to help you. I know it might be a lot to ask of you, but can you write her a quick note to thank her for helping you? She was rather distraught this morning, thinking you had hurt yourself.

I was wondering if you might come to see us sometime. I know it's hard, but I think my daughter would like to see you. Now that we're parents to Harry, we're trying to keep the connections between the Potters' friends and their son. We have no other family contacts for him, and I know Lily and James would have loved for you to continue being Uncle Remus to Harry.

We're moving soon, to provide better protection for both Harry and Nymphadora, given the media circus following them. I hardly let them out of my sight. We found a country home in East Sussex, and you're most welcome to see us. Please let me know. Ted and I would like to help you in any way we can.

Andromeda Tonks